Write a paper on one of the topics below.

Topic #1
In the poem "Hymn to Aphrodite" Sappho invokes the goddess' assistance in winning the affections of a young woman.  Should we understand this literally?  Would winning someone's love by supernatural means be desirable?  How would or wouldn't it differ from the way people normally fall in love?  In answering this question you must provide an interpretation of the poem. 

Topic #2
Explain the significance of the prophecies to Oedipus' downfall?  Why might have Sophocles included these two prophesies in Oedipus Tyrannus?  How might the play have been different without them, say, if we imagine that the baby is stolen at the beginning and that Oedipus leaves Corinth to sow his wild oats?  Does the presence of the prophecies make Oedipus more or less responsible for his downfall?  You must support your answer with textual evidence.


Due Date
2/21

Length
The paper should be no more than 1,000 words.  This is approximately 3 pages double-spaced with Arial 12 point font.

Format
The paper must be typed.  It should be double spaced.  It should have one inch margins. You should use a 12 point font.  I prefer Arial, since it is easy to read.  Please follow the general paper and exam instructions under the "course documents / writing" section on Blackboard.

Procedure
You are required to hand in a paper copy at the start of class on the due date.  In addition you must submit the paper through TurnItIn via Blackboard by 11:59 pm on the due date.  TurnItIn is a plagiarism detection tool.  It will compare your paper against others available online, in journals, submitted in this class, Temple, and from all other universities that use the software. 

Note: Plagiarism will result in a failing grade in the class, not just on this assignment.